Winfred “Wimp” Leon Coffman
August 11, 1950 – November 12, 2023
Winfred (Wimp) Leon Coffman, 73, passed away on November 12, 2023, on Caney Lake in Jackson Parish, Louisiana. Wimp was born on August 11, 1950, in Garvin, Oklahoma, to Jessie Leon Coffman and Mary Nell Reich Coffman.
He spent his early life working on his dad’s cotton fields in Harris, Oklahoma, along Red River. He graduated in 1968 from Idabel High School, attended Wilburton (OK) Junior College, and graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant with a degree in History. He and his wife, Jan, met in Idabel in 1968 and remained best friends and hunting buddies for the remainder of his life.
Wimp was an avid deer and turkey hunter who retired in 2006 as Sawmill Superintendent for Weyerhaeuser in Dodson, Louisiana. He retired to be a full-time babysitter for the joy of his life and granddaughter, Malynn.
Before his career in Dodson, he worked in Wright City (OK), Mountain Pine (AR), and Holly Hill (SC) for lumber companies. His extensive knowledge of the sawmill industry was beneficial for many employees. He then became a substitute teacher for many years and enjoyed interacting with his students.
Wimp was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Debbie and Janice.
Wimp leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 54 years, Jan Weathers Coffman (Jonesboro, LA), daughter Stefani Coffman Cooper (Jonesboro, LA), and granddaughter Malynn Elise Yan Cooper (LSU-Baton Rouge).
Wimp’s wish was to be cremated. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m., Friday, December 15, at Caney Lake, Louisiana. (Please message his wife or daughter for directions.) Casual wear (jeans/camouflage) is encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Wimp’s memory to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home (https://lumcfs.org/donate/) or to Holt International Adoption Agency (https://www.holtinternational.org/donate/). Wimp witnessed first-hand the miracle of adoption and believed in the idea of helping children to find a forever home.
Billie Jean Collinsworth
October 10, 1933 – November 7, 2023
Billie Jean Collinsworth passed away peacefully on November 7, 2023, in Boise, Idaho surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 10, 1933, in Hodge, Louisiana.
Billie is survived by her daughter, Sandra Degnan, and son-in-law, Chris Degnan, of Boise, Idaho; granddaughter Paige Dearman of Addison, TX; grandsons Chad Dearman (Jennifer) of Haslet, TX, Clay Pilley (Ashleigh) of Carrollton, TX, Collin Degnan of San Diego, CA, Alex Degnan of Salt Lake City, UT, and Nicholas Degnan (Laura) of Boise, ID; great-granddaughters Cassie Dearman, Alexandra Dearman, Leona Pilley; great-grandsons Kris Dearman and Atlas Pilley; sister Carole Fullerton of Quitman, LA; and beloved extended family and friends.
Billie was preceded in death by her husband, H. L. (George) Collinsworth, daughter, Cheryl Collinsworth, and parents, Atlas and Clydie Cruell.
Billie married George Collinsworth in 1955 and they spent their 47 years of married life mostly in Jonesboro, La. and Bienville parish. Over her lifetime, Billie worked in several different capacities, including retail fine jewelry and fashion apparel, insurance sales, and owner of a craft store, but mostly she served as bookkeeper and co-owner (with her husband) of Collinsworth Farms, producer of Famous Saline Watermelons. After George passed away in 2002, Billie moved back to Hodge where she enjoyed reconnecting with friends and was a member of Hodge Baptist Church. In 2020, she moved to Washington state to live with her daughter Sandra, son-in-law Chris and their dog, Bailey, who she loved. During her time in Washington she loved visiting the Puget Sound waterfront to watch the ships and boats go by. In 2022, she moved with Sandra and Chris to Boise, Idaho. For the last 10 months, she lived in Truewood Assisted Living Community in Boise where she was a favorite, adored for her sense of humor and Southern charm. She especially enjoyed the frequent live musical entertainment at Truewood.
Always impeccably dressed, Billie was known for her eye for fashion and artistic flair. She enjoyed reading, Bible study, having fun with family and friends, dining out, sightseeing, and was also great cook. A true steel magnolia, Billie will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her beautiful spirit will live on through all those whose lives she touched.
This Spring, the family will gather in Louisiana for a private memorial. Her ashes will be interred beside her husband at Friendship Baptist Church cemetery in Friendship, Louisiana.
Memorial donations may be made to Hodge Baptist Church, P. O. Box 340, Hodge, LA 71247 or the American Heart Association at heart.org.
Ollie Mae Jones Richard
May 11, 1935 – November 14, 2023
Ms. Ollie Mae Jones Richard came into this world on May 11, 1935, in Hodge, Louisiana, born to the late James “Jim” Jones and Equilla Daniel, as their third child. Ollie graduated from Jonesboro Colored High School in 1952.
Known affectionately as “Mommie” and “Ms. Ollie” within her community, she was a beloved figure. Ollie dedicated her working years to Stone Container before retiring.Her unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life, rooted in her membership at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in East Hodge, Louisiana. She embodied the scripture from St. John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
Her dedication to her faith shone through various ministries where she served diligently, from Hospitality Committee Chairman, Sunday School teacher, Usher Board member, Nursing Home Ministry, and the Mission Department. She was honored with the title of “Ms. Pilgrim Rest” during the Texas/Louisiana Day. Ollie remained committed until her health declined, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, peace, and a profound devotion to Christ.
Beyond her spiritual endeavors, Ollie was known for her culinary talents, particularly her famous German Chocolate and Italian Creme Cakes. Her interests extended to sewing, family time, board games, traveling, and deep dives into the Word of God, with Proverbs 4:20 being a treasured scripture for her. Her passing on November 14, 2023, marked her transition from earthly life to the place she envisioned—a realm without sorrows, worries, or sickness.
She was preceded in death by her parents: James “ Jim” Jones and Equilla Daniel, one brother: James Jones, Jr., one sister: Juanita Jones – Young, two children: Torri S. Richard and Michael B. Richard.
Ollie is survived by her daughters: Sherri Elaine Richard and Tina Marie Richard from East Hodge, Louisiana, along with her son: Anthony Keith Richard from Lincoln, Nebraska. Additionally, she is survived by her sister: Margie Jean Moore from Hodge, Louisiana; her granddaughter: Keyunte Shermaine Richard from Jonesboro, Louisiana; and her goddaughter: LaCrecia Kelly from Jonesboro, Louisiana.
Her memory lives on through numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.The life of Ollie Mae Jones Richard, woven with threads of love and cherished moments, remains etched in our hearts.
The Homecoming Celebration was held on Saturday, November 18th at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA.
Ann Brown
December 19, 1955 – November 14, 2033
Ann (Walker) Brown passed away at her residence in Quitman, Louisiana on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. She was 67 years old. Ann she loved singing in the choir at Hodge Baptist Church and taking part in their Sunday school class’s activities. You could also find her watching an episode or two of CSI.
Ann is survived by her daughter, Dawn Robinson and husband, Greg of College Station, Texas; sister, Donna (Walker) Hodges and husband, Lee of Calhoun, Louisiana.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Marjorie Walker and her father, Dewey “Bo” Walker.
Funeral service was held on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, Louisiana with Bro. Keith Thomas officiating. Burial followed in the Gayla Traina Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers was Greg Robinson, Matthew Hodges, Stacy Johnson, Harry Shows, Bruce Whitman and Leroy Ashley.
